New code of conduct for MPs to ensure integrity in Parliament

Legislators in the 12th Parliament will be confronted with a new set of regulations to govern their conduct and ensure protection of the integrity of the institution.

The House has come up with a new code of conduct that will be signed by the members after being sworn into office, in what is seen as a fresh effort to restore the image of the House.

The MPs and senators-elect are expected to be sworn into office at least before September 8, with all eyes now on President Uhuru Kenyatta who is expected to issue a notice on the date and the venue when the first sitting should be held.

The IEBC had not yet gazetted the 289 MPs-elect, which would pave way for their swearing into office.

But while the legislators – both in the National Assembly and the Senate – wait to join their respective legislative Houses, they will be required to sign the new code, “meant to create public trust and confidence in Members of Parliament”.

Among other things, the code bars members from accepting any financial inducement as an incentive or reward, while undertaking their parliamentary duties.

The code require members to register with the Speaker all financial and non-financial interests that are capable of influencing the parliamentarians’ actions.